38. Signs of Low Self-Esteem And What To Do About It

On today’s show, I delve a little deeper into the topic area of overcoming challenges, which is something that came up in the interviews I conducted on last week’s show. Today, I talk more about overcoming difficulties in your lives from the perspective of having self-compassion when you are experiencing a challenging time, and from the viewpoint of not forgetting that you are not alone – all of us face tough challenges at some point in our lives. I then discuss self-esteem – what it is, and how to identify whether you might have low self-esteem. I focus in on two of the ways in which low self-esteem can manifest – needing external approval in order to feel loved, and having negative self-talk. Finally, I set out some solutions and ways in which you can raise your self-esteem, and I take you through a breath work meditation practice, which you can do at any time, and anywhere. I set out why focusing in on your breath can help you to raise your self-esteem.Topics:<br />00:00:00 Intro<br />00:01:50 Recap of last week’s show<br />00:04:11 Overcoming challenges<br />00:05:38 Dr. Kristen Neff, self-compassion, and our shared common humanity<br />00:10:45 Today’s topic – self-esteem<br />00:11:35 Definition of self-esteem<br />00:12:29 Focus of today’s discussion – the value we place on ourselves<br />00:13:09 The need for external approval <br />00:14:49 Some of its negative effects of needing external approval <br />00:16:48 Signs of low self-esteem<br />00:18:32 Some of the causes of low self-esteem<br />00:19:39 Negative self-talk<br />00:22:17 Solutions – dealing with negative self-talk and flipping your thinking <br />00:23:03 Grab a pen and a piece of paper – positive versions of your negative thoughts!<br />00:27:43 Solutions – calming your nervous system<br />00:28:46 Breath work meditation practice - you can do this any time, anywhere <br />00:32:23 How focusing on your breath helps you with low self-esteem<br />00:34:27 Focus on what you have achieved <br />00:36:14 Conclusions <br />00:38:33 Final thought – accepting complimentsOnline resources:<br />Dr. Kristin Neff: https://self-compassion.org<br />Kendra Cherry, Very Well Mind, What Is Self-Esteem: Your Sense of Your Personal Worth or Value: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-self-esteem-2795868<br />Corey Whelan, Healthline, How to Manage Low Self-Esteem: https://www.healthline.com/health/low-self-esteem#defining-low-self-esteem<br />One Bright, Intrusive thoughts: Why do we get them?: https://onebright.com/advice-hub/news/intrusive-thoughts-why-do-we-get-them/<br />Rachel MacPherson, BA, CPT, Very Well Fit, Negative Self-Talk: What It Is and How to Reverse it: https://www.verywellfit.com/negative-self-talk-6501077<br />Harvard Business Review, Acknowledging Your Achievements Is a Form of Self-Care: https://hbr.org/tip/2017/11/acknowledging-your-achievements-is-a-form-of-self-careNote:<br />Whilst this show is about raising mental health awareness, I am not a medical doctor and am not qualified to give mental health advice. If you are experiencing any mental health issues, please consult a qualified professional. The “Shuvra Deb: With You” Podcast is inspired and brought to you by Shuvra Deb. Copyright Shuvra Deb © Contacts: <br />Reach out to me with your comments on my show here: shuvradeb82@gmail.com